Drummy feels starting line-up becoming evident after Millwall defeat

Ollie Berry

Dermot Drummy says he is getting a good idea of his Crawley Town starting line-up after their 3-2 defeat to Millwall.

Reds fielded an identical outfield team against the League One side to that which lost to Brighton & Hove Albion in their friendly match last weekend.

Drummy has previously stated he would be putting out strong sides in these two matches and again against Aldershot in their final pre-season game.

The starting XI put in an impressive footballing display in the first half and led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Enzio Boldewijn and Jordan Roberts.

Neil Harris’ side improved after the break and first levelled, then hit a winner three minutes from time as Crawley became disjointed with the changes being made.

Drummy said: “It’s disappointing I guess for the lads. Also when you are coming off after 60 minutes having done really well, but we have to make a change as I am looking at some players.

“I got some answers both ways. A starting line-up has become evident and I saw some people that I thought could have done better.

“You have to be blind not to see what is going on, but it’s up to other people to prove to me that they are good enough to get into the squad and that’s the sort of competition I want.

“Whoever performs like they are doing at the moment, will start the games.”

On the match itself, Drummy added: “We mixed the game up well. I don’t like the idea of just hitting the ball forwards, that’s not our way.

“I thought Jordan (Roberts) was really on fire and against a very good right-back. The way we tried to dictate play with Josh Payne and Jimmy Smith (was good).

“Matt Harrold was a great return as it gives us that option of going in central, so it was pleasing.

“It was pleasing the way we played and also defended. I thought in the first half we had to defend and we defended the cross well, second half, it was not so good.

“It was a good test for us and it answers questions for you. They do what they do very well and it answers to me who can mark, who can head, who can organise when you’re under pressure, but first half we did cope with it so it’s been a good day in that respect.”